We worked on a study to tackle the challenge of quantifying phosphorus loadings into Lake Erie via the Detroit River, spanning vast urban and agricultural watersheds across the US and Canada. Teaming up with researchers at the Michigan Water Center, we honed in on the role of agricultural non-point sources in nutrient loadings. Our lab’s part of the puzzle? Modeling urban nutrient sources, which encompasses Detroit's combined sewer system and treatment plant. The scale of this undertaking is immense, demanding the creation of an expansive urban water model that relies on a wealth of sensor data and regional water quality measurements.

Fundamental Advances: Integrated modeling, ML-assisted forecasting

Impacts: What makes it even more exciting is the involvement of international decision-makers and stakeholders who look to our work to inform their long-term strategies aimed at reducing phosphorus loadings into Lake Erie by a substantial 40%.

Communities: Huron Erie Corridor, Detroit, Great Lakes